What does the cryptic crossword clue "Blackball news boss: paper giving unrealistic hope (4,5)" mean?

The definition is "unrealistic hope". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). PIP (synonym="blackball") + ED (synonym="news boss") + REAM (synonym="paper") = PIPE DREAM; definition: "unrealistic hope" The answer is PIPE DREAM.

Blackball news boss: paper giving unrealistic hope (4,5)

Times Cryptic #29138 | 6 Down | 2025-01-28 flower

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